Sometimes God takes us on a deep dive into a single verse or two in the Bible.  And sometimes, the Lord says, "Let's review quite a few." That's today. And sometimes we need to review God's Word. Life happens.  Years move.  Decades can pass, and we can assimilate into our routine, and our opinions, and our schedules, and our comfort zones...and we can forget  the basics of what God has said about how to live our lives for Him. Let's remember today.   Let's get back to God's basics today.  Let's be reminded of God's gold standards for life.  Let's be refreshed in God's truth.   Let's be reestablished in how God says to live our lives for Him because: that's what we're here for . ~~~ God delivered His guidelines for godly-living to the Israelites one day a couple thousand years ago when they were gathered at the base of Mount Sinai (also known as Mount Horeb). Their hearts were repentant and expectant for the Lord. Moses trav...

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.     ~Malachi 4:1 NLT Sounds harsh , doesn't it? Another version of the Bible says it this way: “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, a nd all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.   And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” s ays the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.  ~Malachi 4:1 NKJV It still sounds harsh.   God's Word and Truth can be harsh, and that is only because He is holy. But someone might need to hear the harsh today.   Maybe one of us is behaving arrogantly and wickedly , and we need a wake-up call.  This world is not  all that there is, and we may need to make some heart-changes before  the day of judgment comes .  And it will come , ...

I carried a large pot of boiling pasta over to the sink to be drained, and  my smart phone was cupped between my ear and my shoulder, as I chatted with my sister. But somehow (SOMEHOW!) my phone dropped into the boiling pot of pasta and water!!    My smart phone.  My high-tech, 5G,  electronic, expensive  device was submerged into salted, boiling water . I screamed and then fished my phone out of the water with a slotted spoon.   Believe it or not, my sister was still on the call!  I updated her on this potentially/probably/definitely dire circumstance and hung up.   How could my phone not  be ruined?   The temperature was hot (above 212 degrees Fahrenheit), and the phone ports registered as "detecting moisture", and both facts made sense because it had been submerged into a boiling pot of pasta and water!!   What else could I expect except disaster? ...How about a miracle? That's what I would call the (outcome)...

Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said.   ~Malachi 3:16 Isn't it delightful  to be with God's people?   Isn't it a treat to our spirit  to share in time and conversation with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ? Seek a sister-in-Christ out today, or book a breakfast with a brother-of-the-Lord.   It's so powerful  to be provided with the power-of-faith through those who also love the Lord, and we have to be purposeful in making it happen.   Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.  ~Philippians 2:1-2    ~~~     This weekend I am taking a few students (including one of my own!) to a retreat/training s...